Antibodies Against Human CD40

Immune/inflammatory responses are mediated by a complex series of interactions. One receptor/ligand pair shown to be important in these processes is CD40/gp39. The gp39/CD40 interaction mediates a number of important signaling events between activated T cells and other effector cells of the immune system leading to amplification of an immune/inflammatory response. Responses to signaling through CD40 include T cell help to B cells in the humoral immune response, induction of cytokines by monocytes, and expression of adhesion molecules by endothelial cells.

CD40 is a type I cell surface receptor and a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) supergene family. Though originally identified as a B cell antigen, CD40 is now believed to be expressed by all antigen presenting cells (APC), including dendritic cells, keratinocytes, and monocytes. CD40 is also expressed by cell types that can act as APC under certain conditions, such as vascular endothelial cells, or cells involved in direct interactions with T cells or T cell precursors such as thymic epithelial cells. More recently, it has also been reported that CD40 can be expressed by fibroblasts, eosinophils, and activated T cells. CD40 expression has also been seen in cancerous cells. Evidence for this is primarily derived from the identification of some carcinoma and melanoma derived cell lines which are CD40.sup.+. (Clark and Ledbetter, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (1986) 83:4494-98; Schriever et al., J. Exp. Med. (1989) 169:2043-58; Caux et al., J. Exp. Med. (1994) 180:1263-72; Alderson et al., J. Exp. Med. (1 993) 178:669-74; Young et al., Int. J. Cancer (1989) 43:786-94; Paulie et al., Cancer Immunol. Immunother. (1985) 20:23-28; Denfeld et al., Eur. J. Immunol. (1996) 26:2329-34; Gaspari et al., Eur. J. Immunol. (1996) 26:1371-77; Peguet-Navarro et al., J. Immunol. (1997) 158:144-52; Hollenbaugh et al., J. Exp. Med. (1995) 182:33-40; Galy and Spits, J. Immunol. (1992) 149:775-82; Yellin et al., J. Leukoc. Biol. (1995) 58:209-16; Ohkawara et al., J. Clin. Invest. (1996) 97:1761-66).

This expression pattern differs from the expression pattern of the ligand of CD40, namely gp39. A member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family of proteins, gp39 is a type II cell surface protein that is transiently expressed by activated T cells. Gp39 is also known as CD40L, TRAP, T-BAM, and now has the official CD designation from the Leukocyte Workshop of CD154. In in vitro assays, gp39 appears on the T cells approximately 2-4 hours following T cell activation and levels peak at 6-8 hours. The protein level then rapidly declines and is undetectable 24 hours after stimulation. Gp39 expression has also been detected on eosinophils and mast cells. (Noelle et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (1992) 89:6550-54; Hollenbaugh et al., EMBO J. (1992) 11:4313-21; Spriggs et al., J. Exp. Med. (1992) 176:1543-50; Grafet al., Eur. J. Immunol. (1992) 22:3191-94; Covey et al., Mol. Immunol. (1994)31:471-84; Castle et al., J. Immunol. (1993) 151:1777-88; Roy et al., J. Immunol. (1993) 151:2497-2510; Gauchat et al., Nature (1993) 365:340-43; Gauchat et al., Eur. J. Immunol. (1995) 25:863-65; Koshy et al., J. Clin. Invest. (1996) 98:826-37; Desai-Mehta et al., J. Clin. Invest. (1996) 97:2063-73).

CD40 is a potent signaling receptor, providing a mechanism for activated T-cells to regulate a wide range of immune and inflammatory responses. In vitro and in vivo studies with recombinant forms of the gp39 ligand and with anti-CD40 mAbs have shown that signaling through this receptor leads to a cellular response in all known CD40+cells, and that outcome not only varies by cell type but is also modulated by concurrent signaling events through other receptors. In B cells, for example, CD40 signaling in conjunction with signaling by the IL-4 receptor leads to B cell proliferation and production of antibodies of the IgE isotype, while CD40 signaling in conjunction with signals from the IL-10 receptor lead to B cell proliferation and production of antibodies of the IgG isotype (Gordon et al., Eur. J. Immunol. (1987) 17:1535-38; Rousset et al., J. Exp. Med. (1991) 173:705-710; Jabara et al., J. Exp. Med. (1990) 172:1861-64; Gascan et al., J. Immunol. (1991) 147:8-13). Gp39 mediated CD40 signaling may play a role in cellular immunity through the induction of CD80 and CD86, important T cell costimulatory molecules which bind CD28 and CTLA4 (Goldstein et al., Mol. Immunol. (1996) 33:541-52).

The CD40/gp39 receptor/ligand system is one of the many systems which are involved in the productive interaction between activated T cells and other cells of the immune system. However, a number of findings suggest that this interaction is unique and central to the regulation of the humoral immune response in humans. In particular, defects in gp39 expression or structure have been shown to be the cause of the human immunodeficiency known as X-linked hyper IgM (X-HIM) syndrome. This immunodeficiency is characterized by the inability of affected individuals to produce antibodies other than those of the IgM isotype, indicating that the productive interaction between gp39 and CD40 is required for an effective humoral immune response (Allen et al., Science (1993) 259:990-93; Aruffo et al., Cell (1993) 72:291-300; Di Santo et al., Nature (1993) 361:54143; Fuleihan, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. (1993) 90(6):2170-73; Korthauer et al., Nature (1993) 361:539-541; Notarangelo et al., Immunodef Rev. (1992) 3:101-22). Likewise, recent data indicate that non-X-linked HIM syndrome in humans is caused by defects in the CD40 molecule. Using gene knockout technology, mice lacking CD40 or gp39 have been generated. These mice exhibit a phenotype which has the same characteristics as HIM syndrome suggesting that mice can be an appropriate model in which to test the effects of in vivo treatment with either anti-CD40 or anti-gp39 mAbs that block the interaction between CD40 and gp39 (Kawabe et al., Immunity (1994) 1:167-78; Xu et al., Immunity (1994) 1:423-431; Renshaw et al., J. Exp. Med. (1994) 180:1889-1900; Castigli et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1994) 91:12135-39).

The effects of in vivo inhibition of the CD40/gp39 interaction have been extensively studied in normal mice and mouse models of disease using a hamster anti-mouse gp39 mAb (MRI). The immunosuppressive capacity of the antibody is reflected in its ability to completely inhibit the humoral immune response to T-cell dependent antigens (Foy, et al., J. Exp. Med. (1993) 178:1567-75). Several mouse models of immune diseases have also been shown to be inhibited by treatment with the antibody, including those mediated by cellular immune responses. Disease models shown to be inhibited by treatment with anti-gp39 include collagen induced arthritis, experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, lupus nephritis, transplant rejection, and graft vs. host disease (Durie et al., Science (1993) 261:1328-30; Berry, et al., unpublished; Gerritse et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1995) 93:2499-504; Mohan et al., J. Immunol. (1995) 154:1470-1480; Larsen et al., Transplantation (1996) 61:4-9; Hancock et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1996) 93:13967-72; Parker et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1995) 92:9560-64; Durie, et al., J. Clin. Invest. (1994) 94:1333-38; Wallace, et al., unpublished). The role of CD40/gp39 in the amplification of a cellular immune response may be direct, through the stimulation of a subset of activated T cells that are capable of expressing CD40, or indirect, through induction of cytokines and the expression of important co-stimulatory cell surface molecules such as CD80 and CD86, which bind to the T cell receptors CD28 and CTLA-4. The anti-inflammatory effects of the inhibitor have been demonstrated by studies in a mouse model of oxygen-induced lung injury. The effects on inflammation in vivo are suggested by the in vitro results demonstrating stimulation of CD40 on vascular endothelial cells and monocytes which results in the expression of cell adhesion molecules, nitric oxide (NO), matrix metalloproteinases and proinflammatory cytokines (Kiener et al., J. Immunol. (1995) 155:4917-25; Malik et al., J. Immunol. (1995) 156:3952-60; Hollenbaugh et al., J. Exp. Med. (1995) 182:33-40).

Studies with anti-human gp39 mAbs in monkeys have shown that biologics which inhibit the interaction between gp39 and CD40 in vivo are effective immunosuppressive agents in primates. Anti-gp39 mAbs have been demonstrated to be effective in the inhibition of antibody responses to T-cell dependent antigens, and to protect allografts from rejection, results analogous to that seen in rodents.

Collectively the above studies have shown that agents which disrupt the interaction between gp39 and CD40 would be potent immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory agents. Therefore, there exists a need in the art for an effective method of blocking the CD40/gp39 interaction to provide an immunosuppressive or anti-inflammatory effect. A purpose of the present invention is to provide an antibody which blocks the interaction between gp39 and CD40.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a chimeric antibody effective in blocking the interaction between CD40 and gp39.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide a humanized antibody effective in blocking the interaction between CD40 and gp39.

A further object of the present invention is a method of modulating an immune response by administering an antibody, chimeric antibody, or humanized antibody of the present invention. The method may be useful in treating any number of autoimmune diseases, as well as skin or other organ transplantation.

The present invention comprises a novel antibody, more preferably a chimerized anti-human CD40 monoclonal antibody (niAb), which blocks the interaction between gp39 and CD40. In one embodiment of the present invention, a particularly preferred chimerized anti-human CD40 mAb is referred to as "chi220". Chi220 is a chimeric antibody comprising murine variable and human kappa and gamma 1 constant regions. Chi220, like its parent mouse mAb, binds to CD40 and, as a result, effectively blocks humoral immune responses to T cell-dependent antigens in a dose dependent fashion.

The anti-CD40 antibodies of the present invention, preferably chi220, are effective in modulating humoral immune responses against T cell-dependent antigens, collagen induced arthritis, and transplant rejection. The anti-CD40 antibodies of the present invention, preferably chi220, are also useful for their anti-inflammatory properties (which are similar to those seen with anti-gp39).

The antibodies of the present invention, particularly the anti-CD40 chimeric antibody chi220, have wide therapeutic applications, including autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases and transplantation. Because of the expression of CD40 seen on malignant cells of several histologic types, the potential oncology applications of anti-CD40 antibodies, particularly the chi220 antibody of the present invention, are evident.

The following abbreviations are used throughout the present application and are known by those skilled in the art: APC (antigen presenting cell); CHO (chinese hamster ovary); CIA (collagen-induced arthritis); Cmax (maximum serum concentration); COS (African green monkey fibroblast cell line); DMARD (disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs); ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay); EPT (end point titers); EU (endotoxin units); FITC (fluoroisothiocyanate); h106-2 (humanized anti-gp39 mAb); HAMA (human-anti-mouse antibodies); im (intramuscular); KLH (keyhole limpet hemocyanin); mAb (monoclonal antibody); MTX (methotrexate); OVA (ovalbumin); PBS (phosphate buffered saline); PCR (polymerase chain reaction); PE (phycoerytherin); sc (subcutaneous); SDS-PAGE (sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis); SEC (size exclusion chromatography); SRBC (sheep red blood cells); STR (stirred tank reactor); TNF (tumor necrosis factor); VL (antibody light chain variable region); VH (antibody heavy chain variable region).

The references cited in this application are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIG. 1 shows the inhibition of sgp39 binding to Raji cells by anti-human CD40 mAbs.

FIG. 2 is a schematic outlining the primate study protocol. Days of treatment are indicated with diamonds. Immunizations with SRBC and KLH are indicated with rectangles and triangles, respectively. Animals treated with 2.36 were not studied past Phase I and animals treated with 1.106 were not studied past Phase II.

FIG. 3 shows the anti-SRBC antibody response in primates. FIG. 3a shows the results of analysis for IgM anti-SRBC antibodies. FIG. 3b shows the results of analysis for IgG anti-SRBC antibodies.

FIG. 4a shows the sequence of the light chain variable region of chi220 in bold (SEQ ID NO: 1), and FIG. 4b shows the sequence of the heavy chain variable region of chi220 in bold (SEQ ID NO:2). The underlined sequences in FIG. 4a and 4b are the inserted signal sequences of the human antibody with the closest homology which had been used as humanization template.

FIG. 5 shows the results of in vitro assays testing chimeric and humanized antibody of the present invention. FIG. 5a shows the binding of chi220 and h220v3 to hCD40-mG2b in an ELISA based assay. FIG. 5b shows the inhibition of sgp39-mediated costimulation of human B cells with anti-human CD40 mAbs.

FIG. 6 shows the IgM Anti-SRBC antibody response. FIG. 6a shows the results from monkeys that received 10, 40 or 100 mg/kg chi220. FIG. 6b shows the results from monkeys that received 0.1 or 1 mg/kg chi220.

FIG. 7 shows the IgG Anti-SRBC antibody response. FIG. 7a shows the results from monkeys that received 10, 40 or 100 mg/kg chi220. FIG. 7b shows the results from monkeys that received 0.1 or 1 mg/kg chi220.

FIG. 8 shows the anti-OVA antibody response in primates. FIG. 8a shows the results of analysis for IgM anti-OVA antibodies. FIG. 8b shows the results of analysis for IgG anti-OVA antibodies.

FIG. 9 shows the anti-KLH antibody response in primates. FIG. 9a shows the results of analysis for IgM anti-KLH antibodies. FIG. 9b shows the results of analysis for IgG anti-KLH antibodies.

FIG. 10 shows a comparison of the ability of antibody 7E1-G1 and 7E1-G2b to suppress an IgG antibody response to SRBC.

FIG. 11 shows the dose response of inhibition of antibody response to SRBC with 7E1-G2b.

FIG. 12 shows expression vector maps for a heavy chain region and light chain region of a chimeric antibody of the present invention.

FIG. 13 provides a nucleic acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:5) for an expression vector capable of expressing a heavy chain of a chimeric antibody of the present invention. The start ATG (nucleotides 1000-1002), encoding the start Met of the inserted signal sequence of the human antibody, is in bold. Nucleotides 1057 through 1422 (SEQ ID NO:7), underlined, provide a preferred nucleic acid sequence encoding a variable heavy chain of an antibody of the present invention.

FIG. 14 provides a nucleic acid sequence (SEQ ID NO:6) for an expression vector capable of expressing a light chain of a chimeric antibody of the present invention. The start ATG (nucleotides 1005-1007), encoding the start Met of the inserted signal sequence of the human antibody, is in bold. Nucleotides 1065 through 1388 (SEQ ID NO:8), underlined, provide a preferred nucleic acid sequence encoding a variable light chain of an antibody of the present invention.

The present inventors have developed an anti-human CD40 mAb with immunosuppressive properties. Such an anti-human CD40 mAb has obvious applications as a therapeutic. The present inventors have also developed a closely matched anti-mouse CD40 mAb (closely matched to the anti-human CD40 mAb) which is useful to study the effects of anti-CD40 mAb therapy in a number of mouse models of immune and inflammatory disease. Development of anti-CD40 antibodies is complicated by the fact that CD40 is a potent signaling molecule. Antibodies that bind to this antigen can be categorized based on the ability to stimulate CD40 signaling as well as the ability to block the CD40/gp39 interaction.

Applicants' anti-human CD40 mAb, which blocks the CD40/gp39 interaction, was selected from an extensive panel of anti-CD40 mAbs. The antibody, labeled 2.220, was chimerized. "Chimeric" antibodies comprise a light chain and a heavy chain: the light chain is comprised of a light chain variable region and a light chain constant region; the heavy chain is comprised of a heavy chain variable region and a heavy chain constant region. Chimeric antibodies comprise variable regions from one species and constant regions from another species (for example, mouse variable regions joined to human constant regions). (See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,816,397 and 4,816,567). Each of the light chain variable region (VL) and heavy chain variable region (VH) consists of "framework" regions interrupted by three hypervariable regions called "complementarity determining regions" or "CDRs". "Humanized" antibodies comprise antibodies with human framework regions combined with CDRs from a donor mouse or rat immunoglobulin. (See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,530,101) Also within the scope of the present invention are humanized antibodies which comprise CDRs derived from the murine variable chains disclosed herein.

Applicants' chimeric anti-CD40 antibody of the present invention is referred to herein as "chi220". Applicants' closely matched anti-mouse CD40 mAb is referred to herein as "7E1". Two different isotype variants of 7E1 were generated. These two variants of 7E1 are useful in examining the role of the Fc portion of the molecule in anti-CD40 mAb therapy in preclinical models of immune and inflammatory diseases. The generation of the anti-mouse CD40 mAb, the criteria used to select one which matched the properties of chi220, the generation of the isotype variants of the mAb and their in vivo activity in mouse models of immune disease are also presented herein. Studies with both chi220 and its parent murine mAb 2.220 in monkeys, as well as studies with 7E1 in mice, showed that these anti-CD40 mnAbs are potent immunosuppressive agents, and will be discussed in more detail below. The studies described herein were performed using standard technology known by those skilled in the art.

In summary, Applicants' chimeric anti-human CD40 mAb, and its parent mouse mAb, have been shown to suppress a humoral immune response in monkeys. Likewise, two isotype variants of a closely matched anti-mouse CD40 mAb, 7E1, showed immunosuppressive activity in a number of preclinical models of human disease. Taken together, these findings indicate that chi220 is useful for clinical application in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and transplantation.

The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of Applicants invention, which is defined only by the claims.

EXAMPLE 1

A. Isolation and In Vitro Characterization

A panel of monoclonal antibodies was generated against human CD40 using standard hybridoma technology with human CD40 fusion protein as the immunogen. Antibodies were screened for binding to CD40 using both a CD40.sup.+ cell line and fuision proteins. Assays of gp39 binding to CD40 and functional assays of stimulation through CD40 were used to characterize cloned antibodies. Selected antibodies were then characterized for crossreactivity with primate cells to assess the suitability of the antibodies for use in primate preclinical models.

1. Immunization and Fusion

Two fusions were performed to generate hybridomas producing anti-human CD40 mAbs. Immunizations to generate immune lymphocytes were carried out in 6-8 week old female BALB/c mice using as the immunogen a recombinant fusion protein consisting of the extracellular domain of human CD40 fused to the hinge, CH2 and CH3 domains of a murine IgG2b antibody (hCD40-mG2b).

For fusion 40-1, the mouse was initially immunized subcutaneously at 34 sites with an emulsion (total of 200 ul) of 30 ug hCD40-mG2b in complete Freund's adjuvant. The animal was similarly boosted on day 21 with hCD40-mG2b in incomplete Freund's adjuvant and then given a final pre-fusion immunization on day 37 by intravenous injection of 30 ug of hCD40-mG2b in PBS. Immunizations for fusion 40-2 were similarly performed except that Ribi adjuvant (R-730) was substituted for Freund's adjuvant. Booster immunizations were on days 21 and 42 with the final pre-fusion boost on day 58.

Three days following final booster injections, leukocytes from the spleen and lymph nodes were harvested and fused at a 3:1 ratio with X63-Ag8.653 mouse myeloma cells using standard methods (Kearney et al., J. Immunol. (1979) 123:1548-50; Lane, J. Immunol. (1985) 81:223-28). Cell suspensions from each fusion were seeded into ten 96-well cell culture plates at a plating density of approximately 170,000 total cells (pre-fusion) per well.

2. Screening and Cloning

Two assay formats were used to identify mAbs with specificity for native human CD40. Cell culture supernatants from all wells were initially screened for their ability to bind to a CD40 positive, EBV-transformed human B cell line (IA2-2C) in an ELISA-based format. Each supernatant was then tested in an ELISA based format for reactivity with a purified, recombinant fusion protein consisting of the extracellular domain of human CD40 fused to the hinge, CH2 and CH3 domains of a human IgGI antibody, hCD40-Ig, and a similarly constructed irrelevant human Ig fusion protein, Leug-hIg (Hollenbaugh, et al., EMBO J. (1992) 11:4313-4321). Reactivity with the former and not the latter fusion protein, coupled with the cell binding data, established the presence of antibody specific for native CD40 in approximately 200 master wells.

A key functional property for the desired anti-CD40 mAb was the capacity to completely block the interaction of CD40 and its ligand, gp39. Thus, as the next step in antibody selection, all CD40 specific master well supernatants were assessed for their ability to inhibit the binding of the soluble, recombinant murine CD8-human gp39 fusion protein, sgp39, to immobilized hCD40-Ig in an ELISA-based format. Those that completely inhibited this interaction were subsequently titrated in the same format to establish which wells contained the highest titer of inhibiting antibody. From this analysis, ten of the most strongly inhibiting master wells were selected for cloning.

Cloning of the appropriate antibody secreting cells was accomplished in a two step process. Cells from each master well were first "minicloned" at a seeding density of 10 cells/well after which the highest titered, CD40-specific "miniclone" well was formally cloned by a limiting dilution method.

3. Further Characterization

Six assay formats were used to further characterize the antibodies. These were inhibition of sgp39 binding to human B cells, inhibition of B cell proliferation induced by sgp39 plus anti-IgM, inhibition of in vitro antibody synthesis by B cells induced by activated T cells, direct costimulation of B cells with anti-IgM, costimulation of B cells with anti-IgM in the presence of cross-linking anti-kappa light chain antibody, and costimulation of B cells with anti-IgM in the presence of a second anti-CD4O mAb, G28-5. This mAb was known to possess strong costimulatory activity and to incompletely block CD40/gp39 interaction. It has been included for comparison purposes in many of these assays.

This analysis led to the selection of four mabs: 1.66 (IgG2b), 2.36 (IgG2a), 2.174 (IgGI) and 2.220 (IgG2a). Tests were run to characterize the mAbs. In one experiment, cells from the human B cell line Raji were incubated with 2 or 20 .mu.g/ml of various anti-CD40 mAbs followed by a second incubation in undiluted COS cell supernatant containing mCD8-gp39 fusion protein (sgp39). Bound sgp39 was detected by further incubation of the cells with a FITC labeled anti-mCD8 mAb and analysis of the cells on a FACScan. Percent inhibition was calculated by dividing mean fluorescence of samples incubated with antibody by the mean fluorescence of samples without antibody in the first incubation (FIG. 1).

As shown in FIG. 1, each of these four mAbs was capable of completely inhibiting the binding of sgp39 fusion protein to a human B cell line expressing high levels of CD40, although in the case of 2.174, a relatively high concentration of antibody was required for complete blockade. Similar data were obtained using human tonsillar B cells. These data were paralleled by two functional assays. First, it was shown that each mAb was able to completely block sgp39-mediated costimulation of human tonsillar B cells. Second, each significantly inhibited the production of IgG and IgM in an in vitro T cell-dependent B cell antibody synthesis assay.

Three of the four antibodies showed limited ability to costimulate B cell proliferation in the presence of anti-IgM. MAb 2.220 was more consistent in its ability to induce weak costimulatory activity. With the addition of an anti-kappa light chain antibody, used to cross-link the anti-CD40 mAbs, 2.36 gained significant costimulatory activity, while the activity of other three antibodies was not affected. The costimulatory ability of G28-5 was shown to be differentially modulated when it was paired in combination with each of the four new anti-CD40 mAbs. MAbs 1.66 and especially 2.174 enhanced G28-5 costimulation, whereas 2.220 and 2.36 suppressed it.

Following selection based on evaluations in human in vitro systems, the four anti-CD40 mAbs were further examined for their suitability for in vivo evaluation in non-human primate studies. Two key points of analysis were the relative potency of each for binding to primate B cells and suppression of in vitro, T cell-dependent B cell antibody synthesis. It was found that all four mAbs crossreacted with cynomolgus macaque (Macaca fascicularis) B cells. 2.36 and 2.220 bound with higher avidity than 2.174 and 1.66. Lower apparent binding of mAbs 2.174 and 1.66 was not due to their particular isotypes, as other isotype-matched anti-CD40 mAbs demonstrated binding levels comparable to 2.36 and 2.220 (e.g., G28-5 and 2.118). These results were in contrast to that observed with human B cells where each of the mAbs demonstrated comparable binding. The ability of the four mAbs to suppress antibody synthesis by monkey B cells was found to parallel the ability to bind.

B. In Vivo Characterization

Two studies were performed in non-human primates using the murine anti-human CD40 mAbs to assess the suitability of anti-CD40 as an immunosuppressive agent and to select the appropriate antibody for further development. First, the in vivo clearance and acute toxicity of the four selected anti-CD40 mAbs were compared. These results were used to select two antibodies, 2.36 and 2.220, that were then tested in a second study designed to assess efficacy in the inhibition of the antibody response to a T-dependent antigen and acute toxicity.

Primate Efficacy Study with 2.36 and 2.220

Based upon previous findings, mAbs 2.36 and 2.220 were evaluated for their ability to suppress a T-dependent antibody response following intravenous administration to cynomolgus monkeys. This study was divided into three phases (FIG. 2). In Phase I, four groups consisting of one or two male and two female cynomolgus monkeys each were immunized intravenously on day 1 with sheep red blood cells (SRBCs), and then treated with 20 mg/kg of mAb 2.36, 2.220, 1.106 (IgG 1 murine anti-human gp39, positive control), or L6 (IgG2a murine anti-human tumor antigen, negative control) on days 1, 3, and 5. IgM and IgG titers to the SRBC immunogen, serum levels of test and control articles, the presence of anti-test and control article antibodies, serum immunoglobulin levels, peripheral blood leukocyte counts, and the frequencies of various subpopulations of peripheral blood lymphocytes were determined. In phase II, after the control and test articles had cleared, the animals were immunized with SRBCs and a second antigen, keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), to assess the induction of immunological tolerance and the reversibility of the observed immunosuppression. In phase III, selected animals were reimmunized to determine if the initially suppressed anti-SRBC antibody response recovered following an additional challenge with SRBCs and to assess the secondary antibody response to KLH.

An experiment was performed to show that MAb 2.220 significantly suppressed the primary antibody response to SRBCs (FIG. 3). Monkeys were treated with 20 mglkg of either mAb 1.106, L6, 2.36 or 2.220 on Phase I Days 1, 3, and 5. Monkeys were immunized with SRBC on Day I of Phase I, II and III. FIG. 3a shows the results of serum samples that were analyzed for IgM anti-SRBC antibodies; FIG. 3b shows the results of serum samples that were analyzed for IgG anti-SRBC antibodies. Data are expressed as the geometric mean anti-SRBC titer for each group (n=3 or 4).

The peak primary response was inhibited 85% and 98% for IgM and IgG, respectively. Following clearance of mAb 2.220 in serum to below detectable levels, the peak secondary response to SRBCs was still inhibited 79% and 56% for IgM and IgG, respectively, compared to the negative control response in Phase I. This was in contrast to the positive control, mAb 1.106, with which a strong secondary antibody response to SRBCs was observed. The tertiary response to SRBCs was not inhibited, indicating that mAb 2.220 induced a prolonged immunosuppression, but not immunological tolerance. All animals immunized with KLH had a primary and secondary anti-KLH response, suggesting that the immunosuppression was reversible. Animals treated with 2.36 were not included in phase II because there was no significant inhibition seen in phase I of the study.

Mean peak serum concentrations, occurring immediately after the last dose, were 744 and 405 .mu.g/nl for mAbs 2.220 and 2.36, respectively. Whereas mAb 2.36 cleared from the serum to below detectable levels by day 15, mAb 2.220 did not clear until day 29. Both mAbs 2.36 and 2.220 were immunogenic.

There were no drug-related clinical observations, changes in body weight or food consumption, or alterations in hematology or serum Ig levels in any animal. The only drug-related findings observed were transient 70% and 43% decreases in the percentages of peripheral B cells with mAbs 2.36 and 2.220, respectively. Recovery of B cells to normal levels occurred within 2-3 weeks post-treatment.

In summary, mAb 2.220 significantly suppressed the antibody response to SRBCs and 2.36 did not. Although mAb 2.220 induced a prolonged antigen-specific immunosuppression, it was reversible. Based on these findings, mAb 2.220 was selected for further development.

To address immunogenicity of the murine anti-human mAb 2.220, recombinant forms in which variable regions are fused to human constant regions were generated and compared for in vitro efficacy. The two approaches used were generation of a chimeric antibody, containing the unaltered murine variable regions, and humanized forms in which murine hypervariable regions (CDRs) are grafted on human framework sequences within the variable regions. Chimeric antibodies retain the antigen binding properties of parent antibody, but may have a greater likelihood of being immunogenic. Humanized antibodies are less likely to be immunogenic, but mutations introduced in the humanization can affect antigen binding.

A. Construction and In Vitro Characterization of Chimeric and Humanized Antibodies

The VL and VH regions from the anti-CD40 mAb 2.220 were obtained by PCR. cDNA was generated from RNA isolated from the hybridoma expressing the 2.220 mAb using an IgG1-specific or a C.kappa.-specific anti-sense primer to obtain the VH or VL regions, respectively. A poly-G tail was added to these single stranded cDNAs. The variable regions were then amplified by PCR using as a sense primer an oligonucleotide containing a poly-C sequence, complimentary to the poly-G tail, and a nested set of antisense primers. The PCR product obtained was then inserted into a bacterial vector using restriction sites included in the primers. Multiple clones were then sequenced by dideoxynucleotide sequencing. Two independent experiments were performed, beginning at the RNA stage and the sequences obtained were the same.

To generate a chimeric form of the antibody, the variable regions were amplified by PCR using primers that introduced a sequence encoding the signal sequence of the human antibody found to most closely match the 2.220 sequence, as shown in FIG. 4. The underlined portions of the light chain variable sequence (FIG. 4a) and the heavy chain variable sequence (FIG. 4b) designate the inserted signal sequences of the human antibody with the closest homology to murine 2.220. These PCR products were inserted into a vector containing sequences encoding the constant regions of human kappa or of human .gamma.1 to generate complete light or heavy chain, respectively. The vectors also contained appropriate drug resistance genes for the generation and amplification of stable lines expressing the protein. Protein for initial characterization was produced by transient expression from COS cells followed by Protein A purification.

As an example, a chimeric antibody producing cell line was generated by co-transfecting CHO DG44 cells with separate expression vectors for the heavy and light chains of the chimeric antibody, and the high copy number electroporation method was used to promote co-integration. (See, U.S. Pat. No. 4,956,288). The chi220 heavy and light chains were cloned into the pD 17 and pD 16 expression vectors, respectively. Both vectors are derived from the InVitrogen plasmid pcDNA3, and contain the following features (FIG. 12): (1) the neomycin resistance gene from pcDNA3 was replaced with the murine dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) gene under control of the enhancerless SV40 promoter (also referred to as the "weakened DHFR"; note that only the promoter was weakened, not the DHFR enzyme--the enhancerless promoter still contains the SV40 origin of replication, so these vectors can be used in transient COS transfections); (2) the gene of interest is expressed from the CMV promoter, and the poly adenylation signal is from the bovine growth hormone gene; (3) the expression cassette for the gene of interest is flanked by transcription termination sequences (i.e., 5' to the promoter and 3' to the poly A site); (4) the vectors contain two distinct restriction site polylinkers, one 3' to the promoter for cloning the gene of interest, and one 5' to the promoter for vector linearization prior to transfection; and (5) the ampicillin resistance gene and ColE1 origin for plasmid propagation in E. coli.

The heavy and light chain genes used were genomic constructs, with the following modifications: (1) the coding sequences for the heavy chain signal peptide, variable region and CHI domain were contiguous (i.e., contained no introns); and (2) the coding sequences for the light chain signal peptide and variable region were contiguous.

Other expression vectors known by those skilled in the art, and capable of expressing a chimeric antibody of the present invention, are contemplated by the present invention. A nucleic acid sequence usefull in an expression vector capable of expressing a heavy chain of a chimeric antibody of the present invention is shown in FIG. 13; a nucleic acid sequence useful in an expression vector capable of expressing a light chain of a chimeric antibody of the present invention is shown in FIG. 14.

The complete amino acid sequence of the heavy and light chains of the chimeric antibody ("chi220"), including the variable and constant regions, is as follows (the bold amino acids indicate variable heavy and variable light):

Several humanized forms of 220 were generated. This process involves the identification of murine and human germline sequences with the closest homology to the VH and VL domains. The murine germline sequences were used to identify likely locations of somatic mutations that have arisen during the process of affinity maturation. The human sequences were then used as template and regions of the sequence known or suspected to be important to the binding specificity are replaced in the human sequences for both VH and VL. The structures of these sequences were then modeled using as a template the protein with the closest homology for which a crystal structure has been solved. Plasmids encoding the humanized forms were generated using PCR directed mutagenesis and used to generate antibody by transient expression from COS cells. In vitro assays were performed with the chimeric and humanized antibodies of the present invention, and results are depicted in FIG. 5. FIG. 5a shows the results of a binding assay testing the binding of chi220 and h220v3 to hCD40-mG2b in an ELISA based assay. Wells of Immulon-2 plates were coated with hCD40-mG2b at a concentration of 10 ng/ml in PBS for 2 hrs. Wells were blocked with Specimen Diluent (Genetic Systems), and antibodies were added at the indicated concentrations. Following a 1 hr incubation, wells were washed, and the presence of the antibody detected using peroxidase-conjugated goat anti-human IgG antibody. H220v3 is a humanized form of mAb 2.220. Values are the average of duplicate wells and error bars represent the standard deviation.

FIG. 5b shows the results of an assay testing the inhibition of sgp39-mediated costimulation of human B cells with anti-human CD40 mAbs. Resting human tonsillar B cells (50,000/well) were incubated with sgp39 fusion protein, 20 .mu.g/ml rabbit anti-human IgM coated immunobeads and the indicated concentrations of the anti-CD40 mAbs or medium only control in 96 well plates. 72 hrs after initiation of cultures, all wells were pulsed with 1 uCi/well [.sup.3 H]thymidine and the cells cultured for an additional 18 hrs. Cells were then harvested and incorporated [.sup.3 H]thymidine measured in a scintillation counter.

Based upon the results of in vitro assays (FIGS. 5a and 5b, that show both the chimeric and humanized antibody effectively bound CD40 and inhibited B cell stimulation) the chimeric antibody was chosen for further study.

A. Chimeric mAb 2.220: Single-dose Efficacy Study in Nonhuman Primates Chi220 was evaluated in cynomolgus monkeys for its ability to suppress primary and secondary humoral immune responses to T cell-dependent antigens. In one study, groups of four monkeys were immunized with sheep erythrocytes (SRBCs) and given a secondary immunization of ovalbumin (OVA) immediately prior to receiving a single intravenous bolus dose of either chi220 at 10, 40, or 100 mg/kg or sterile phosphate buffered saline (PBS) as a control. Substantial suppression of the primary humoral immune response against SRBCs was observed at all three dose levels, demonstrating efficacy of chi220 in primates. A dose-dependent transient depletion of peripheral blood B cells was observed in all of the chi220-treated monkeys, with the time to recovery also being dose dependent. At the two highest doses, transient mild decreases in the group mean absolute numbers of peripheral blood T cells were observed. Transient minimal decreases in serum IgM levels were observed, with no drug related changes in serum levels of IgG or IgA.

To assess the induction of immunological tolerance and reversibility of immunosuppressive activity, all monkeys were immunized with OVA, SRBCS, and a neoantigen, keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) on day 149, when serum levels of chi220 in the 100 mg/kg group were below levels believed to be immunosuppressive (.about.10 .mu.g/ml) and the numbers of peripheral blood B cells had returned to predose levels. The anti-SRBC response at the lowest dose level was generally comparable to the primary anti-SRBC antibody response in the control monkeys. However, the antibody response to SRBCs was still partially or substantially suppressed in the monkeys treated at the two higher dose levels.

To further explore the dose dependence of immunosuppression and B cell depletion, a second study was performed in which additional monkeys (four/group) were immunized with SRBCs, and then given a single dose of chi220 at 0.1 or 1.0 mg/kg or PBS. Suboptimal immunosuppression of the antibody response to SRBCs was observed at both dose levels. Moderate depletion of peripheral blood B cells was evident in monkeys that received 1.0 mg/kg chi220 by Day 8, reversing by Day 29. At 0.1 mg/kg, a decrease in the mean number and percentage of peripheral blood B cells was observed, but values were not outside the normal historical ranges for percent B cells. Historical limits have not been established for absolute numbers of peripheral blood B cells. Transient minimal decreases in peripheral blood T cell numbers and mild decreases in ex vivo T cell proliferation were observed in monkeys that received 1 mg/kg chi220. Finally, there was no evidence of complement activation or drug-related changes in the serum levels of IL-6 or TNF.alpha.. Ex vivo T cell activation, complement activation, and serum cytokine levels were not assessed in monkeys treated with 10, 40, or 100 mg/kg chi220.

In both studies, serum samples were examined following chi220 administration for circulating levels of test article, and to assess antibody formation against the test article. Pharmacokinetic analysis indicated that the mean peak serum concentration (Cmax) of chi220 did not increase in a manner proportional to the dose increment, and that the half-life of chi220 became prolonged as the dose administered was increased. Chi220 was found to be immunogenic when administered at 0.1, 1 or 10 mg/kg. At circulating concentrations above 10 .mu.g/ml, it appears that chi220 can suppress the antibody response directed against it.

1. Experimental Protocol

In the initial study mentioned above, cynomolgus monkeys were assigned to four groups consisting of two males and two females each. All monkeys were immunized 28 days prior to chi220 or control article administration with OVA (5 mg/kg, im and 10 mg/kg, sc). On Day 1, all monkeys were immunized with SRBCs (1.7 ml/kg of a 10% suspension, iv) and given a secondary immunization of OVA (5 mg/kg, im and 10 mg/kg, sc) immediately prior to receiving a single intravenous bolus dose of either chi220 at 10, 40, or 100 mg/kg or sterile PBS as a control. On Day 149, after the serum levels of chi220 had fallen below putatively immunosuppressive levels (.about.10 .mu.g/ml) and the levels of peripheral blood B cells had returned to predose levels in all groups, the monkeys were immunized with OVA, SRBCs, and KLH (10 mg/animal, im). The purpose of the KLH immunization was to show that the monkeys were able to mount an immune response to a neoantigen after being treated with chi220.

In order to demonstrate a better dose response with respect to immunosuppression and peripheral blood B cell depletion, additional monkeys in a second study (two/sex/group) were immunized with SRBCs, and then given a single dose of either chi220 at 0.1 or 1.0 mg/kg or PBS as a control on Day 1. Hematological parameters and peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations were monitored at selected time points during both studies. Serum chemistry parameters were monitored in monkeys that received 10, 40, or 100 mg/kg chi220, but were not monitored at the 0.1 and 1 mg/kg dose levels because no drug-related findings were observed at the higher doses. In addition, serum levels of IgM, IgG, IgA, and chi220 were measured. To assess efficacy, specific IgM and IgG antibody formation against the SRBC and OVA immunogens was determined on the appropriate serum samples obtained just prior to immunogen administration and weekly thereafter. Specific IgM and IgG antibody formation against the test article for monkeys that received chi220 was determined prior to test article administration on Day 1, and weekly thereafter. Geometric mean titers were used when comparing antibody responses between groups. In addition, total hemolytic complement activity (CH.sub.50) and C4d fragment levels were measured, and TNF-.alpha. and IL-6 levels were determined in monkeys that received 0.1 or 1 mg/kg chi220 at selected time points following chi220 administration. Ex vivo peripheral blood T cell activation was also assessed following stimulation with concanavalin A in monkeys receiving 0.1 and 1 mg/kg chi220 on Days 17 and 31 to assess the effects of chi220 on T cell responsiveness to a mitogen. Finally, all monkeys were observed daily for clinical signs of toxicity, body weights recorded weekly, and food consumption monitored daily.

Monkeys were immunized with SRBC prior to receiving vehicle or 10, 40, or 100 mg/kg chi220 (FIG. 6a) or 0.1 or 1 mg/kg chi220 (FIG. 6b) on Day 1. Serum samples were analyzed for IgM anti-SRBC antibodies by ELISA. Data are expressed as the geometric mean anti-SRBC antibody end-point titer (EPT) for each group (n=2 [100 mg/kg group beyond Day 15] or 4), where EPT is equivalent to the reciprocal of the greatest dilution of serum with an absorbance of greater than two times the mean plate background.

2. Results

a. Anti-SRBC Antibody Response

When administered to monkeys at 10, 40, or 100 mg/kg, chi220 was effective at substantially suppressing the primary antibody response against SRBCs. On the peak day of the control primary IgM anti-SRBC antibody response (Day 8), the mean primary IgM anti-SRBC antibody response was suppressed approximately 92-94% in the monkeys treated with 10, 40, and 100 mg/kg chi220, compared to controls (FIG. 6a). The group mean IgM anti-SRBC antibody response did not become positive through Day 85 at the 10, 40 or 100 mg/kg dose levels. On the peak day of the control primary IgG anti-SRBC antibody response (Day 15), the mean primary IgG anti-SRBC antibody response was suppressed 98%, 99%, and 85% in monkeys that received 10, 40, and 100 mg/kg, respectively, compared to controls (FIG. 7a). Higher overall predose anti-SRBC antibody titers in the 100 mg/kg group may have accounted for the apparent lack of dose-dependent immunosuppression. Overall, monkeys treated with 10 or 100 mg/kg chi220 did not mount a primary IgG anti-SRBC antibody response through Day 85. However, two of the monkeys treated with 40 mg/kg chi220 had a delayed primary IgG antibody response to SRBCs (comparable to the control response in magnitude), which became positive by Day 36 and peaked on Day 51.

On Day 149, after the serum levels of chi220 had fallen below putatively immunosuppressive levels (.about.10 .mu.g/ml) and the levels of peripheral blood B cells had returned to predose levels in all groups, the monkeys were immunized a second time with SRBCs. As expected, control monkeys mounted a strong secondary IgG antibody response to SRBCs. Monkeys treated with 10 mg/kg chi220 mounted primary IgM and IgG antibody responses to SRBCs that were generally comparable to the primary antibody response in the control monkeys. However, the antibody response to SRBCs was still partially suppressed at the 40 mg/kg dose level and substantially suppressed at the 100 mg/kg dose level. Although two monkeys treated with 40 mg/kg chi220 that had previously mounted weak primary antibody responses to SRBCs developed IgM and IgG anti-SRBC antibody titers characteristic of a secondary antibody response, the anti-SRBC antibody responses in the two other monkeys in that group and the remaining monkeys treated with 100 mg/kg chi220 was still approximately 90% suppressed compared to the mean primary anti-SRBC antibody response of the control monkeys.

Suboptimal immunosuppression of the antibody response to SRBCs was observed following administration of 0.1 or 1.0 mg/kg chi220 (FIGS. 6b and 7b). While all of the chi220-treated monkeys mounted a positive IgM antibody response to the SRBC antigen, the overall mean peak IgM anti-SRBC antibody response was suppressed approximately 56% in the monkeys treated with 1 mg/kg chi220 compared to the mean peak control response. No suppression of the IgM anti-SRBC antibody response was observed in monkeys treated with 0.1 mg/kg chi220. The mean IgM anti-SRBC antibody response peaked on Day 15 in the control monkeys, and on Day 8 in the monkeys that received 0.1 and 1.0 mg/kg chi220. Overall, the mean peak IgG anti-SRBC antibody response was suppressed 56% and 42% in the monkeys treated with 0.1 and 1.0 mg/kg chi220, respectively. The mean IgG anti-SRBC antibody response peaked on Day 15 in the control monkeys and monkeys treated with 1 mg/kg chi220, and on Day 8 in the monkeys that received 0.1 mg/kg chi220.

b. Anti-OVA Antibody Response

Monkeys were administered an intravenous dose of 10, 40, or 100 mg/kg chi220 on Day 1. In addition all monkeys were immunized with OVA on Days -28, 1, and 149. Serum samples were analyzed for IgM (FIG. 8a) or IgG (FIG. 8b) anti-OVA antibodies. Data are expressed as the geometric mean anti-OVA endpoint titer (EPT) for each group (n=2 [100 mg/kg group beyond Day 15] or 4), where EPTs are equivalent to the reciprocal of the greatest dilution of serum with an absorbance of greater than two times the mean plate background.

Specific IgM and IgG antibody formation against OVA was monitored weekly during the study in monkeys that received 10, 40, or 100 mg/kg chi220. The primary and secondary anti-OVA antibody responses were highly variable and generally weak in all monkeys (FIG. 8). Monkeys scheduled to receive chi220 on Day 1 had greater anti-OVA antibody titers than monkeys in the control group.

On Day 149, the monkeys were given a tertiary OVA immunization. All of the monkeys mounted positive IgG antibody responses to OVA within 7 days following challenge. Control monkeys and monkeys treated with 10 mg/kg chi220 had antibody titers characteristic of a tertiary antibody response, whereas monkeys treated with either 40 or 100 mg/kg chi220 developed antibody titers that were more characteristic of a secondary antibody response.

c. Anti-KLH Antibody Response

Monkeys were administered an intravenous dose of 10, 40, or 100 mg/kg chi220 on Day 1. In addition, all monkeys were immunized with KLH on Day 149. Serum samples were analyzed for IgM (FIG. 9a) or IgG (FIG. 9b) anti-KLH antibodies. Data are expressed as the geometric mean anti-KLH endpoint titer (EPT) for each group (n=2 [100 mg/kg group beyond Day 15] or 4), where EPTs are equivalent to the reciprocal of the greatest dilution of serum with an absorbance of greater than two times the mean plate background.

On Day 149, after the serum levels of chi220 had fallen below putatively immunosuppressive levels (.about.10 .mu.g/ml) and the levels of peripheral blood B cells had returned to predose levels in all groups, the monkeys were immunized with KLH (10 mg/animal, im). All monkeys mounted positive IgM and IgG antibody responses to KLH, demonstrating that the ability to respond to a new antigen was not compromised (FIG. 9).

d. Serum Levels of Test Article and Anti-Test Article Antibody Response

Serum samples were examined following chi220 administration to determine circulating levels of test article and to assess antibody formation against the test article. The mean peak serum concentration (Cmax) of chi220 occurred three minutes following the administration of 10 or 40 mg/kg doses and six hours following administration of the 100 mg/kg dose. Cmax values of chi220 were 329, 2429, and 2343 .mu.g/ml in the monkeys treated with 10, 40, or 100 mg/kg chi220, respectively. There was, however, considerable variation in the Cmax of individual monkeys in the 40 and 100 mg/kg groups. The mean serum half-life of chi220 was estimated to be approximately 114, 173 and 315 hours in monkeys treated with 10, 40, or 100 mg/kg chi220, respectively.

Mean Cmax values, occurring three minutes following chi220 administration, were 1.77 and 33 .mu.g/ml for 0.1 and 1 mg/kg doses, respectively. No gender related differences in the serum levels of chi220 were observed within each dose level. Mean AUC.sub.inf values were 15.5 and 847 ug.h/ml, for 0.1 and 1 mg/kg doses, respectively. Taken together, the studies suggest that the half-life of chi220 becomes prolonged as the dose administered is increased. Furthermore, it appears that the Cmax of chi220 increases in a manner disproportionate to the dose increment.

Although the IgM anti-test article response was minimal or absent in the monkeys that received 10, 40, or 100 mg/kg chi220, a significant IgG anti-test article antibody response was observed in the monkeys that received 10 mg/kg chi220. The mean IgG anti-test article antibody response in the monkeys that received 10 mg/kg chi220 became positive on Day 29, approximately 1 week after the mean group serum concentration of chi220 had fallen below 10 .mu.g/ml, and peaked on Days 36 and 43 at a geometric mean titer of 12,627. The appearance of IgG anti-test article antibodies in the monkeys that were treated with 10 mg/kg chi220 also coincided with the first detectable increases in B cell numbers following depletion. By the last day measured (Day 149), the monkeys that received 40 or 100 mg/kg chi220 had still not mounted a positive antibody response against chi220, although the group mean chi220 serum levels were below 10 .mu.g/ml by Day 57 (40 mg/kg group) or Day 92 (100 mg/kg group).

Chi220 was immunogenic when administered at 0.1 or 1 mg/kg. Three of four monkeys that received either 0.1 or 1 mg/kg chi220 had weakly positive IgM anti-test article antibody responses by Day 15 during the study. Three of four monkeys treated with 1 mg/kg chi220 had significant IgG anti-test article antibody responses by Day 22, peaking at a geometric mean endpoint titer of 16,618. Overall, the geometric mean IgG anti-test article antibody response was not positive in the monkeys that received 0.1 mg/kg chi220, and only one monkey that received 0.1 mg/kg chi220 had a weakly positive IgG anti-test article antibody response, peaking at an endpoint titer of 2430 on Day 22. Collectively, these data suggest that chi220 is capable of immunosuppressing an antibody response against itself at serum levels of greater than approximately 10 .mu.g/ml.

Applicants also developed and tested in vivo a rat anti-murine CD40 mAb designated 7E1-G2b and its predecessor, 7E1-G1. The generation of this antibody was performed in order to explore the potential of anti-CD40 therapy in murine models of autoimmune, inflammatory and transplant disease. The primary objective of the mouse model system was to generate an anti-murine counterpart that mimicked 2.220's complete and potent blockade of gp39/CD40 interaction while possessing weak costimulatory activity, and test it in vivo in standard experimental disease models.

A. Isolation and Characterization of Anti-Murine CD40 Monoclonal Antibodies 7E1-G1 and 7E1-G2b

1 . Immunization, Fusion and Characterization

A recombinant murine CD40 immunoglobulin fusion protein consisting of the extracellular region of mouse CD40 fused to the hinge, CH2 and CH3 domains of a mouse IgG2a antibody (mCD40-mIg) was used to immunize an 8 week old female Lewis rat via footpad inoculation. Three days following the last immunization, leukocytes from the draining lymph nodes were fused with X63-Ag8.653 mouse myeloma cells to create rat x mouse heterohybridomas. Wells containing antibody specific for native mouse CD40 were identified for reactivity with the original mCD40-mIg immunogen by ELISA, and for reactivity with a CD40 positive mouse B cell lymphoma cell line (WEHI-231, ATCC CRL-1702). Supernatants were then tested for the ability to inhibit the binding of mCD40-mIg to soluble, recombinant mCD8-murine gp39 fusion protein, mgp39, the murine equivalent of sgp39. Approximately twelve of the most potent inhibitor master wells were cloned by a limiting dilution method.

Following cloning, functional assays were performed with culture supernatants and purified antibody in order to more accurately assess the ability of the anti-CD40 mAbs to inhibit the interaction of murine gp39 with CD40 and to determine their stimulatory properties. Inhibitory properties were measured by the ability to inhibit the binding of mgp39 to WEHI-231 using standard procedures known in the art. Stimulatory properties were measured by the induction of tight, homotypic adhesion of WEHI-231 cells and the proliferation of splenic B cells in the presence of the antibody and anti-IgM using procedures known in the art. From these results, three mAbs (5A3, 7E1-G1 and 8E1) were determined to be most like the anti-human CD40 mAb 2.220 with respect to gp39/CD40 blockade and level of costimulatory activity.

2. Selection of 7E1 as the Lead Anti-Murine CD40 mAb

In vivo studies in mice were aimed at identifying which of the blocking/non-stimulatory anti-CD40 mAbs most potently suppressed specific antibody responses to a T-dependent antigen. Suppression of the IgG antibody response to SRBCs in mice with anti-murine CD40 mAb was studied. Groups of five BALB/c mice were immunized IV with 1.times.10.sup.8 SRBCs and concurrently treated ip with 1 mg of anti-murine CD40 mAbs 5A3, 7E1-G1 or 8E1. As controls, groups of similarly immunized mice were treated with MRI (hamster anti-murine gp39, positive control, 250 ug), 6E9 (rat anti-human gp39, negative control, 1 mg) or PBS. Mice were evaluated for IgG anti-SRBC titers by ELISA on days 7, 14, 21 and 35. The results indicated that when administered as a single dose of antibody at the time of antigen challenge with SRBCs, mAb 7E1 -G1 was shown to be a more effective suppressor of the IgG anti-SRBC response compared to mAbs 5A3 or 8E1, and was therefore selected as the lead anti-CD40 mAb for murine studies.

3. Isotype Switch Variant of mAb 7E1-G1

7E1-G1 did not possess effector function characteristics comparable to that of the chimeric 2.220 anti-human CD40 mAb (i.e., rat IgG1 is not as efficient as human IgG1 at complement fixation and Fc receptor interaction) and the profile of specific antibody suppression in vivo for 7E1 was not as complete as that seen with the 2.220 mAb in primates. Thus, an antibody having 7E1 specificity but with a rat isotype more like human IgG1 in its effector capabilities was sought. To this end, a natural isotype switch variant of 7E1, from an IgG1 to an IgG2b, was generated by the sib-selection technique (Hale et al., J. Immunol. Methods (1987) 103(1):59-67). Briefly, an anti-CD40 mAb of the IgG2b isotype was identified by ELISA among supernatants of 96 well plates that had been seeded at 1000 cells/well with the original 7E1 hybridoma. Subsequent rounds of plating and identification of IgG2b positive wells at seeding densities of 200 and then 20 cells/well followed by two rounds of cloning by limiting dilution led to the isolation of a clonal IgG2b switch variant of 7E1, 7E1-G2b. 7E1-G2b is a legitimate switch variant of the IgG1 as demonstrated by three sets of data. First, N-terminal sequencing of the heavy chain showed that both versions were identical for the first 35 amino acid residues. Second, PCR analysis using primers specific for the variable heavy chain CDRs of 7E1-G1 yielded a band of appropriate size from cDNA obtained from either 7E1-G1 or 7E1-G2b, and not two other unrelated antibodies. Lastly, assessment of binding activity of purified lots of the two versions to immobilized mCD40-hIg in an ELISA using an anti-kappa tracer reagent yielded essentially identical titration curves.

B. In Vivo Studies

1. In Vivo Comparison of 7E1-G1 to 7E1-G2b in Antibody Response Model

7E1-G1 was compared to 7E1-G2b for efficacy in vivo using SRBC's as the T cell dependent antigen. Groups of three to five animals were immunized iv with SRBC and concurrently treated ip with the antibody 7E1-G1 or 7E1-G2b, at 1, 0.25, or 0.1 mg of compound on day 0 as indicated in FIG. 10. Anti-murine gp39 mAb MRI served as a positive control for immunosuppressive effect. MAb 6E9 and PBS served as irrelevant mAb and no mAb controls, respectively. Mice were evaluated for anti-SRBC titers by ELISA on days 7, 14 and 21. Titer represents the calculated dilution of serum to yield an OD value =0.3 in the ELISA. As shown in FIG. 10, 7E1-G2b suppressed the IgG response to SRBCs at doses where the 7E1-G1 did not.

2. 7E1-G2b Dose Response in T-dependent Antigen Mouse Model

7E1-G2b was examined in a T cell dependent primary immune response model using SRBC as the antigen. 7E1-G2b was tested at various doses to determine the lowest effective dose. BALB/c mice (n=5) were injected IV with 1.times.10.sup.8 SRBCs and treated with a single injection of 7E1-G2b at the indicated doses or MR1 (anti-murine gp39) or PBS administered at the same time as the antigen on day 0. Shown in FIG. 11 is the IgG anti-SRBC response on days 7, 16 and 28. Values reported are the ELISA absorbance value at a serum dilution of 1/50. Error bars indicate standard deviation.

As shown in FIG. 11, a single treatment with 7E1-G2b at 25 .mu.g/mouse (1.25 mg/kg) suppressed the IgG immune response by 87% on Day 16 and complete suppression was obtained with 50 or 100 .mu.g doses at Day 16. At Day 28, 50 .mu.g/mouse suppressed the IgG response by 89%, and 100 .mu.g/mouse suppressed completely. Note that MR1 was used as a positive control for immunosuppression at a suboptimal dose of 100 .mu.g/mouse.

3. 7E1-G2b in Preventative Collagen-Induced Arthritis (CIA) Mouse Model A standard experimental murine model for rheumatoid arthritis, the collagen-induced arthritis model (CIA), was used to determine the effect of 7E1-G2b on prevention of arthritis. DBA/1J male mice (6-8 weeks) were injected with 200 ug of chicken collagen type II (CII) in complete Freund's adjuvant intradermally on day 0. Treatment with 7E1-G2b at 250 .mu.g/dose was administered IP every 4 days starting on day 7. The control group was treated with PBS on the same dosing schedule. All mice were boosted with CII in incomplete Freund's adjuvant on day 21. Mice were observed daily for paw swelling and subjectively scored on a scale of 0-3 with 3 equal to maximum swelling and erythema. Paws were also measured with calipers daily. The clinical score reported was derived by summation of the score of each paw at the time of sacrifice and dividing by the total number of animal in each group. The values reported are the median range of the groups.

Arthritis development, and hence joint inflammation in the mice, was completely inhibited by therapy with 7E1-G2b as shown in Table 1 below. Mice treated with 7E1-G2b G2b were completely free of disease through 90 days.

As demonstrated above, the antibodies of the present invention are potent immunomodulators, with therapeutic uses against a variety of disease. The present invention encompasses chimeric and humanized antibodies as described above with additional conservative amino acid substitutions which have substantially no effect on CD40 binding. Conservative substitutions typically include the substitution of one amino acid for another with similar characteristics, e.g., substitutions within the following groups: valine, glycine; glycine, alanine; valine, isoleucine, leucine; aspartic acid, glutamic acid; asparagine, glutamine; serine, threonine; lysine, arginine; and phenylalanine, tyrosine.

In one aspect, the present invention is directed to producing the chimeric and/or humanized antibodies as described above by expressing recombinant DNA segments encoding the murine light variable chain and heavy variable chain (or portions thereof), attached to DNA segments encoding the human constant regions. Exemplary DNA sequences designed in accordance with the present invention code for the polypeptide chains comprising all or a portion of the light chain variable region as shown in SEQ ID NO:1, and/or all or a portion of the heavy chain variable region as shown in SEQ ID NO:2.

Also encompassed within the present invention are the disclosed heavy and light chain variable regions and active or functional parts thereof. The immunologically competent or functional form of the protein or part thereof is also referred to herein as a "light/heavy chain variable region or biologically active portion thereof". In the present case, a biologically active portion thereof comprises a portion of said light or heavy chain which, when incorporated into an antibody, still permits the antibody to bind to human CD40.

Specifically encompassed within the present invention are nucleic acid sequences encoding the variable heavy chain and the variable light chain of an antibody of the present invention. For example, nucleotides 1057 through 1422 (SEQ ID NO:5) of FIG. 13 provide a preferred nucleic acid sequence encoding a variable heavy chain of an antibody of the present invention; nucleotides 1065 through 1388 (SEQ ID NO:6) of FIG. 14 provide a preferred nucleic acid sequence encoding a variable light chain of an antibody of the present invention.

Chimeric antibodies that bind to human CD40 and that comprise polypeptides that are substantially homologous to, or that show substantial sequence identity to, the variable light and heavy chain sequences disclosed herein are also contemplated by the present invention. For example, chimeric antibodies comprising a light chain region that exhibits at least about 85% sequence identity, more preferably at least about 90% sequence identity, even more preferably at least about 95% sequence identity, and most preferably at least about 98% sequence identity with the light chain region as shown in SEQ ID NO:4 are included within the scope of the present invention. More particularly, chimeric antibodies comprising a variable light chain region that exhibits at least about 85% sequence identity, more preferably at least about 90% sequence identity, even more preferably at least about 95% sequence identity, and most preferably at least about 98% sequence identity with the variable light chain region as shown in SEQ ID NO:1 are also included within the scope of the present invention.

Additionally, chimeric antibodies comprising a heavy chain region that exhibits at least about 85% sequence identity, more preferably at least about 90% sequence identity, even more preferably at least about 95% sequence identity, and most preferably at least about 98% sequence identity with the heavy chain region as shown in SEQ ID NO:3 are included within the scope of the present invention. More particularly, chimeric antibodies comprising a variable heavy chain region that exhibits at least about 85% sequence identity, more preferably at least about 90% sequence identity, even more preferably at least about 95% sequence identity, and most preferably at least about 98% sequence identity with the variable heavy chain region as shown in SEQ ID NO:2 are also included within the scope of the present invention.

The DNA segments typically further include an expression control DNA sequence operably linked to the chimeric antibody coding sequences, including naturally-associated or heterologous promoter regions. Preferably, the expression control sequences will be eukaryotic promoter systems in vectors capable of transforming or transfecting eukaryotic host cells, but control sequences for prokaryotic hosts may also be used. Once the vector has been incorporated into an appropriate host, the host is maintained under conditions suitable for high level expression of the nucleotide sequences and, as desired, the collection and purification of the variable light chain, heavy chain, light/heavy chain dimers or intact antibody, binding fragments or other immunoglobulin form may follow. (See, Beychok, S., "Cells of Immunoglobulin Synthesis", Academic Press, N.Y. (1979)). Single chain antibodies may also be produced by joining nucleic acid sequences encoding the VL and VH regions disclosed herein with DNA encoding a polypeptide linker.

Prokaryotic hosts, such as E. coli, and other microbes, such as yeast, may be used to express an antibody of the present invention. In addition to microorganisms, mammalian tissue cell culture may also be used to express and produce the antibodies of the present invention. Eukaryotic cells may be preferred, because a number of suitable host cell lines capable of secreting intact immunoglobulins have been developed in the art, and include the CHO cell lines, various COS cell lines, HeLa cells, myeloma cell lines, and hybridomas. Expression vectors for these cells can include expression control sequences, such as a promoter or enhancer, and necessary processing information sites, such as ribosome binding sites, RNA splice sites, polyadenylation sites, and transcriptional terminator sequences, all known in the art.

The vectors containing the DNA segments of interest (e.g., the heavy and/or light chain encoding sequences and expression control sequences) can be transferred into the host cell by well-known methods, which vary depending on the type of cellular host. For example, calcium chloride transfection is commonly utilized for prokaryotic cells, whereas calcium phosphate treatment or electroporation may be used for other cellular hosts. (See, e.g., Maniatis, et al., "Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual", Cold Spring Harbor Press (1982)).

Once expressed, the whole antibodies, their dimers, individual light and heavy chains, or other immunoglobulin forms of the present invention, can be purified according to standard procedures in the art, including ammonium sulfate precipitation, affinity columns, column chromatography, gel electrophoresis and the like. Substantially pure immunoglobulins of at least 90 to 95% homogeneity are preferred, and 98 to 99% or more homogeneity are most preferred, for pharmaceutical uses.

The antibodies of the present invention will typically find use in treating antibody mediated and/or T cell mediated disorders. Typical disease states suitable for treatment include graft versus host disease and transplant rejection, and autoimmune diseases such as Type I diabetes, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and myesthenia gravis.

The antibodies and pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention are particularly useful for parenteral administration, i.e., subcutaneously, intramuscularly or intravenously. The pharmaceutical compositions for parenteral administration will commonly comprise a solution of the antibody dissolved in an acceptable carrier, preferably an aqueous carrier. A variety of aqueous carriers can be used, all well known in the art, e.g., water, buffered water, saline, glycine and the like. These solutions are sterile and generally free of particulate matter. These pharmaceutical compositions may be sterilized by conventional well known sterilization techniques. The compositions may contain pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliary substances as required to approximate physiological conditions such as pH adjusting and buffering agents, toxicity adjusting agents and the like, for example, sodium acetate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, sodium lactate, human albumin, etc.

The compositions containing antibodies of the present invention can be administered for prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatments. In therapeutic application, compositions are administered to a patient already suffering from a disease, in an amount sufficient to cure or at least partially arrest the disease and its complications. An amount adequate to accomplish this is defined as a "therapeutically effective dose". Amounts effective for this use will depend upon the severity of the disease state and the general state of the patient's own immune system, and can be determined by one skilled in the art.

In prophylactic applications, compositions containing antibodies of the present invention are administered to a patient not already in the disease state to enhance the patient's resistance (suppress an immune response). Such an amount is defined to be a "prophylactically effective dose". In this use, the precise amounts again depend upon the patient's state of health and general level of immunity. A preferred prophylactic use is for the prevention of transplant rejection, e.g., kidney transplant rejection.

Although the present invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.